When local business owners ask us about the cost of Instagram ads, they often expect a fixed price list. Instagram does not have one. You choose the budget you want to spend, and you can change or stop it whenever you like.
We are a team of four in Kordelio, Thessaloniki. When we set up and run campaigns for a local business, we keep the pricing clear and split into two parts: the money that goes to the platform, and the fee for our work.
The two parts of the cost
To run ads properly, plan for two separate payments each month:
- The ad budget you pay to Meta: you pay this directly to Meta with your own card. We suggest at least €300 a month, so your campaigns have enough room to run properly.
- Our fixed management fee: if you only need someone to run your ads, our Facebook and Instagram ads management costs €90 a month for an ad budget up to €500, and €130 a month for €500 to €1,500. Prices exclude 24% VAT. The fee is fixed, never a percentage of your budget.
- Packages with video: if you also need fresh videos, our monthly packages include Meta Ads management. Launch is €290 a month with four videos, Grow is €510 with eight, Scale is €700 with twelve plus Google Ads, and Thrive is €850 with twelve videos, Meta and Google Ads, and SEO Basic.
What your ad budget depends on
There is no single number that fits every business. What you spend depends on a few practical choices:
- How wide the area is: one neighbourhood needs a smaller budget than a whole city.
- How long the campaign runs: ads every day of the month take more budget than a short seasonal offer.
- The goal: messages, website visits or online sales each work differently, depending on what you sell.
- How many people you want to reach: reaching more people in your chosen ages and interests needs more budget.
What you need before you start
Before spending money on ads, a few basics make sure the budget is not wasted:
- Real vertical videos: they show your actual space and people. In our packages, Antonis comes to your premises to film and edit them.
- An active profile: people often tap through to your page before they message or buy.
- A clear goal: messages, calls, bookings or sales. Even without a website, you can run ads for messages or calls.
- Website tracking: if you have a website, Costas sets up the Meta Pixel and Conversions API as part of our analytics and tracking. That shows what visitors do on your site and lets us remarket to them later.
How to start sensibly
You do not need a big budget on day one. The sensible way to begin is one clear goal and one local area, a few good videos, and a monthly ad budget you are comfortable with, starting around our suggested €300.
Costas, our brand and growth strategist, runs Instagram and Facebook ads together in Meta Ads Manager. That gives proper control over objectives, targeting by area, age and interests, exclusions, placements and A/B tests. The Boost button under a post is much more limited, as we explain in Boost or Ads Manager. At the end of each month, Costas sends one report and explains the results in plain words, so you can decide the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Who gets paid the ad budget?
You pay the ad budget directly to Meta with your own card, inside your ad account. That money never passes through our hands. You only pay us our fixed monthly fee or the fee for your package, so you always see exactly what Meta charges you.
Do I need a website to run Instagram ads?
No. Without a website, Costas can set up campaigns that keep people in the app or on their phone, such as sending you a direct message on Instagram or calling your business.
Am I locked into a contract?
No. We work month to month with no contracts. You can change your ad budget or stop at the end of any month if your plans change. We review the work together every month through your plain-language report.
Does your fee go up if I spend more?
Not within a tier. Our fee is fixed, never a percentage of your ad spend. Whether you spend €300 or €500 on ads, the management fee stays at €90 plus VAT. If your budget is between €500 and €1,500, the fee is a flat €130 plus VAT.
Let’s talk about your business
To talk through a sensible starting budget for your business, book a free 30-minute call with our team. We will look at what you need and give you a clear, honest answer.